Refugee group hosts fundraising event to replace torched van

Lewes refugee group's van was torched in Calais SUS-160127-110649001

Published:12:29Wednesday 27 January 2016

The ‘Lewes Actions for Refugees’ is holding a fundraising event of music, drinks and food at The Hearth Pizzeria and Restaurant in a bid to replace their delivery vehicle, which was torched by French vigilantes in Calais.

The group had been involved in one of their regular trips to the Calais refugee camp, where they distribute clothes and camping equipment to the refugees, much of which is donated by the people of Lewes.

The team, which on this occasion was led by Raphaella Sapir, parked the vehicle behind the youth hostel where they stayed, when French locals set fire to it. The ensuing blaze completely destroyed the van.

“It was lucky no one had slept in van this time, someone could quite easily have been killed,” said Raphaella Sapir, adding, “They vigilantes are trying to dissuade us from assisting the refugees by both frightening us, and destroying our means of delivering the supplies, but we’re determined to continue. Hence our fundraiser.”

Lewes Actions for Refugees have been active building shelters in the camp and supporting the unaccompanied minors since September 2015. The fundraising event will take place at The Hearth Pizzeria on Friday, February 5 from midday to 3:45pm.

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